“THE SHINING HOUR.”

Manawatu Standard, Volume LVII, Issue 230, 28 August 1937, Page 13

“THE SHINING HOUR.”

A SPLENDID PRODUCTION.

“The Shining Hour,” by Keith Winter, presented by the Manawatu Repertory Society, and which concludes a three nights’ sea-son in the Empire Hall to-night, deeply impressed an appreciative audience at the second performance last night. It is a splendid production, which not only upholds thG high reputation already won by the Manawatu Repertory Society, but wins for it further laurels. The producer is Mr M. H. Oram, whose work is well-known, and he has got together an excellent cast. The play is the drama of the family life of the Lindens, absorbing and provocative, and it occupies three acts and four scenes. The part of Hannah Linden is played by Mrs Barbara Keeling, a capable woman, who “was born wdth a strong sense of interference,” to quote her own words. Mrs Keeling gives a convincing characterisation, and portrays Hannah as the bluff Yorkshire woman she is. Contrasting with Hannah is Judy, her younger sister, played by Mrs Mabel boles, a character with an appealing charm. Playing Mariella, Miss Mavis Mortland distinguishes herself, and her performance is one which will be remembered. Mr T. W. Henderson, as Henrv Linden, husband of Mariella, handles his part very well, although this is his first appearance. Mr Ewan Davidson, as Mickey, the youngest of the brothers, gives a sympathetic performance. Last, but not least, is the fine portrayal of the husband of Judy by Mr K. N. Strothers, a difficult piece of work splendidly handled. The setting of the play, the effects off-stage, and the dressing, are well done, incidental music by Miss Southey Baker’s trio adding to the pleasure.